Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested putting Ukraine under temporary administration to allow for new elections and the signing of important agreements that could bring an end to the current war, Russian news agencies reported on Friday.
While visiting Murmansk, a port city in the north, Putin's words came at the same time that the U.S. was working to mediate a resolution by re-opening channels of communication with Russia while at the same time separately approaching Moscow and Kyiv. Putin also said he was convinced U.S. President Donald Trump was sincere in his intentions to make peace.
Since Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the war has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, displaced millions, destroyed cities, and prompted the most dire confrontation between Moscow and the West in decades.
Putin’s suggestion of a temporary administration appears to stem from his longstanding claim that Ukraine’s government lacks legitimacy, given that President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has remained in office beyond the official end of his term in May 2024. "In principle, of course, a temporary administration could be introduced in Ukraine under the auspices of the UN, the United States, European countries, and our partners," Putin stated while speaking with seamen in Murmansk.
"This would be to conduct democratic elections and install a competent government with the confidence of the people and then initiate negotiations with them for a peace treaty," he added.
He also pointed out that Trump's strategy of dealing directly with Russia—contrary to his predecessor Joe Biden, who did not engage with Moscow—demonstrated the new U.S. president's genuine interest in putting an end to the conflict. "In my opinion, the newly elected United States president genuinely wants the conflict to end for several reasons," Russian agencies quoted Putin as saying.
A U.S. National Security Council spokesperson, when questioned about Putin's comments, reiterated that the governance of Ukraine is established by its constitution and its people.
Kyiv has yet to make an official statement.
While European leaders are pressing on with their own initiatives to assist Ukraine, they reaffirmed in a meeting in Paris on Thursday their determination to bolster Kyiv's army as a foundation of the nation's future defense. France and the UK are urging to broaden global backing for a "reassurance force" if a ceasefire is agreed, although Moscow is strongly against foreign troops being deployed in Ukraine.
Ukraine Rejects Allegations of Illegitimacy
Zelenskiy has repeatedly dismissed any question over his legitimacy, claiming that martial law prohibits Ukrainian elections. He has also maintained that it would be impossible to conduct a vote during wartime conditions.
Zelenskiy has recently charged Putin with not having any real interest in the war's termination and instead seeking to extend conflict.
In addition, the Trump administration is said to be negotiating a more comprehensive minerals deal with Ukraine. Trump views such an agreement as a means of bolstering U.S. economic interests in Ukraine, which he believes could pave the way for a peace accord, according to sources briefed on the talks and a draft summary seen by Reuters.
Putin, on his part, asserted that Russia is still devoted to pursuing its goals in Ukraine. He reasserted his backing of diplomatic solutions but insisted that the peace agreement must not be at the expense of Russia.
"Along the entire length of the line of military contact, our soldiers are maintaining the strategic initiative," he said.
"We are moving slowly—perhaps not as fast as some would wish—but nevertheless steadily and with determination towards the objectives outlined at the start of this campaign," Russian news outlets quoted him as saying.
Russia now over three years into the conflict holds around 20% of Ukraine. Moscow has also officially annexed four Ukrainian provinces and won back considerable ground lost when Ukraine's counteroffensive was underway in August.
Putin hailed diplomatic initiative from BRICS, a group Moscow touts as a rival to Western blocs. He singled out China and India for praise.
He also articulated Russia's interest in working with a broad group of nations, including North Korea, toward achieving a cessation of the war. Western and Ukrainian sources state that more than 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been committed to defend Russian positions in the Kursk area, but Moscow has yet to acknowledge this.
Turning his attention to Europe, Putin told Russia remained ready to work but condemned European states for their "inconsistent" approach.
"They attempt to take us around by the nose, but it's fine, we have grown accustomed to it. I hope we won't make any error based on too much trust towards our so-called partners," he stated.
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